Unknown miscreants set ablaze the residence of Manipur BJP spokesperson Michael Lamjathang Haokip’s parents at Penial village, Churachandpur district, Manipur on Saturday.
Police said that the incident occurred at around 11.30 am, marking the third attack on Lamjathang’s residence since last year and the second in less than 10 days. A four-wheeler was also set on fire by around 20 unidentified individuals.
Manipur police stated that Churachandpur district deputy commissioner Dharun Kumar S has written a letter to the district Superintendent of Police, instructing them to conduct an inquiry and submit a report at the earliest for necessary action.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the attack, which reportedly took place under the guise of peace rallies. On X he stated, “I strongly condemn the arson attack at Michael Lamjathang Haokip’s parents’ residence for the third time today. The repeated targeting of our people (Thadou in this case), often under the guise of peace rallies, is a deeply troubling trend.”
“Such acts of provocation will not be tolerated. We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Moreover, action will be taken against the concerned officials who failed to provide adequate security, despite prior warnings of potential threats,” he added.
The residence in Peniel village, Churachandpur district, was attacked last week when more than 30 armed men fired several rounds and set parts of the property attached to the house on fire. The attack occurred just a few hours after Lamjathang participated in a local TV discussion on ‘Kuki supremacy and its agenda.’
Following the incident, Lamjathang lodged an FIR at the district police station. In the FIR, he accused two individuals of inciting his murder through a WhatsApp group.
One of the suspects allegedly offered ‘village land’ as a reward for killing Haokip. Printouts of the WhatsApp conversations were included in the FIR, with one message stating, “SA (separate administration) will not be acceptable without killing LJT (Lamjathang) first, even if the central government is willing to grant us.” Another message read, “I promise to give my village land if anyone kills Lamjathang.”
Michael Lamjathang Haokip posted two video clips of the burning of his house on X, with the caption. “3rd attack - Phatthei In (Blessed Home) - Mom and Dad’s residence in Peniel village, Manipur by ultra Kuki supremacists and extremist groups. Any of my actions shouldn’t have been combined with my parents and families. I will not stop standing for justice, truth, and non-violence.”
